The World Bank has announced its full support for Mongolia’s proposed initiative to establish the “International Land and Pasture Alliance for the Future,” a major undertaking set to be launched in conjunction with the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists in 2026.
In a high-level meeting held this week, Mongolia’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change S.Odontuya met with World Bank representatives to discuss the joint development of a targeted investment program under this initiative. The discussions also covered collaborative efforts to combat air pollution, address climate change challenges, and implement joint projects aligned with the objectives of COP17.
The World Bank is currently working closely with Mongolia on several critical fronts. This includes assisting in the drafting of the Law on Climate Change and regulatory frameworks for the emerging carbon market, as well as supporting the development of the Long-Term Strategy for Low-Carbon Development (LT-LEDS). Minister S.Odontuya expressed appreciation for the continued partnership and emphasized the importance of accelerating the implementation of the LT-LEDS through enhanced cooperation.
During the meeting, the minister also presented the ongoing efforts of the National Committee for Air Pollution Reduction, highlighting a proposal to replace 173 coal-fired heating boilers in Ulaanbaatar with clean, low-emission alternatives. She called for joint financing mechanisms such as green loans and urged for greater private sector involvement to ensure the sustainability and affordability of these initiatives.
The two sides also explored opportunities to showcase Mongolia’s environmental progress and international partnerships at COP17. Discussions included ways to engage international financial institutions in the event and highlight the outcomes of ongoing projects and technical assistance programs.
With global attention turning toward sustainable land use and climate resilience, Mongolia’s leadership in initiating the Land and Pasture Alliance signals a proactive approach to safeguarding its vast rangelands and promoting sustainable pastoralism on the global stage.
